JC, Lexington soccer trying for dynasties

When the boys soccer teams at Jackson Christian and Lexington clinched spots in the Class A-AA state tournament on Saturday, it had to feel like a repeat from six months ago for both coaches.

Jackson Christian’s Jeff Lean and Lexington’s Kirk Childers helped lead the girls programs to state in the fall, and now they have done it again in the spring, something that hasn’t been done by many programs across the state.

This is Jackson Christian’s second-ever trip to the state tournament after reaching the state title game in Division II-A in 2010, while Lexington is making its first-ever trip.

Both teams must now be ready to play their quarterfinal match on Tuesday at Richard Siegel Soccer Complex.

•Jackson Christian (17-3-3) vs. Murfreesboro Central (17-2-1), 7 p.m.: The Eagles are working to try to get players healthy after Bodo Wolhfromm and Parker Finton left Saturday’s sectional with injuries.

Jackson Christian has played with depth through the postseason, so that should help with those injuries.

Defense has led the Eagles this season with junior Marshall Davis leading the backline and sophomore Trace Haggard playing in goal.

JC soccer beats Dyersburg to reach state

Murfreesboro Central is playing in the state tournament for a third consecutive season, but the Tigers have had to face Christ Presbyterian Academy in the quarterfinals the past two years. CPA has won both times by two goals.

Murfreesboro Central played Madison in the Smoky Mountain Cup last season and beat the Mustangs 4-2.

The Tigers’ defense has given up four goals throughout the postseason, while outscoring their opponents 33-4.

•Lexington (17-2-1) vs. CPA (21-0-3), 7 p.m.: The Tigers weren’t given any favors when the draw was made as they must face the defending Class A-AA state champions Christ Presbyterian Academy, who is undefeated on the season.

CPA outscored its opponents 9-1 in the state tournament last year, and the Lions have outscored their opponents 28-4 in six postseason matches this season.

Lexington will have to stay compact on defense and limit the shots on goal by the Lions. Senior Ryan Courtright is one of the better goalkeepers in West Tennessee.

Lexington soccer earns 1st state berth

The Tigers will try to get Jace Vestal an open look for an early goal to ease some of the nerves that the team will be playing with.

Just like the girls’ season, this will be a good learning experience for Lexington and a program that is on the rise in West Tennessee.

Michael Odom, 425-9754